Montreal Canadiens make final decision on whether Juraj Slafkovsky and Arber Xhekaj make the team
The Montreal Canadiens have announced their opening night roster as they prepare for the season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 12th. Some of the names might surprise you.
According to Eric Engels of Sportsnet first overall pick Juraj Slafkovsky and Arber Xhekaj among others seem to be in the opening night lineup.
Let's start with Slafkovsky, the first overall pick from this years draft has been under heavy criticism from fans, media and his own general manger at various points during the pre-season, not living up to expectations most set out for him. Despite this and being overmatched physically, he makes the opening night roster, likely to only play 9 games before being sent down.
Arber Xhekaj on the other hand has been a stabilizing physical presence on the back end for the Canadiens this pre-season. Opening many eyes. He's a bruising blueliner that can add a little bit if offence when needed. A throwback type player if you will. He's come a long way since working at Costco to start the pandemic. I wouldn't be surprised if he plays more than 9 games in the show this year, by all accounts, he deserves it.
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